Exploring the ruins of Kofu Castle in the Maizuru Castle Park and stumbling upon unexpectedly pretty hydrangeas.
Author: Jennifer
Hi! I am Jennifer. I enjoy planning my own travels and love traveling in Japan - for the history, nature, temples, and the food! Read more for travel guides of places I have visited.
Hear the Weeping Dragon at Kai-Zenkoji, Yamanashi
Hearing the weep of a dragon at the temple which was used to store Buddhist statues from Nagano's famous Zenkoji during the Sengoku Period. The highlight of this visit is the Kaidan Meguri experience to find the lock to the hidden main statue.
Nyakuichioji Jinja, Omachi, Nagano
Quiet day at the Nyakuichioji Jinja in Omachi. In July, the shrine hosts the Nyakuichioji Jinja Reisai, a festival centering on kodomo yabusame (child horseback archery), which is rare in Japan.
Chojiya Salt Road Museum, Omachi, Nagano
An informative experience at the Chojiya Salt Road Museum, showcasing the life and materials from the Chikuni Kaido, the road used to transport salt from the sea of Japan to the old Shinano Province (now Nagano Prefecture).
The Temple that Faces North – Kitamuki Kannon, Bessho Onsen
Continuing my temples visit in Bessho Onsen, I visited Kitamuki Kannon, literally "Facing-North Kannon", which is unusual as temples usually faces south. This Tendai sect. temple faces the Buddha statue in famous Zenkoji in Nagano directly and is popular as a love fulfillment spot.
The Only Surviving Octagonal Pagoda in Japan: Anraku-ji, Ueda
Visiting Anraku-ji, the oldest Soto sect. of Zen Buddhism temple in Nagano which boost the only surviving octagonal pagoda in Japan. Located near Bessho Onsen, 30 minutes away from Ueda city, this temple deserves more attention for its history and links to Kencho-ji's Rankei Doryu.
Amusing Rakan Statues in Choanji, Hakone
The quiet temple of Choanji allows visitors to appreciate the creativity of the over 200 rakan statues scattered around the temple. Some serious, while some with amusing expressions, this temple is a paradise for photography.
Hiking to Happo-ike, Happo-One, Hakuba in Green Season
Hakuba in green season offers a plethora of outdoor activities such as hiking, kayaking, mountain-biking and more. I hiked to Happo-ike or Happo Pond on this clear weather to see the beautiful pond with the reflection of the Hakuba Sanzan - Mt. Shakushi, Mt. Yari, and Mt. Shirouma.
Sanzen-in, the Moss Garden, and the Laughing Buddhas
Exploring the large grounds of Sanzen-in, Ohara's most popular temple, built by Saicho, the founder of Tendai sect. of Buddhism. Enjoying the pleasant autumn scenery in the moss garden and amusing myself with the laughing Buddhas.
Hōsen-in, Reflecting Sacrifice through Blood-Stained Ceiling and Serene Garden View
Enjoying three distinct gardens at Hōsen-in, especially famous for the view of a "framed" garden from the tatami room. The blood-stained ceilings from Fushimi Castle creates a contrasting feeling of solemness against the serenity of the garden scenery.
Kamakura’s Bamboo Temple – Hokokuji
Exploring another bamboo temple, this time in Kamakura's Hokokuji Temple, family temples of the Ashikaga clan and later the Uesugi clan.
Japan's Wonders 